Dubai is planning to add 600 megawatts of clean energy capacity in 2021 through new solar installations amid plans to boost its renewable energy capacity.
The emirate will also commission the first stage of the 300MW fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in July, Dubai Media Office said on Sunday, citing a statement from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
The entity will also commission the world's tallest concentrated solar power tower at 262.44 metres with a capacity of 100MW in September and 200MW from the parabolic trough as part of the fourth phase of the solar park by the end of 2021.
With the addition of new plants, Dewa’s total clean energy capacity will increase to 1,613MW from 1,013MW currently. Clean energy capacity in Dubai's energy mix will be about 10 per cent in July and 12 per cent by the end of the year.
“The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is one of Dewa’s key projects to achieve this vision and increase the share of clean and renewable energy capacity in Dubai’s energy mix,” said Saeed Al Tayer, managing director & chief executive of Dewa.
“This supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to provide 75 per cent of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.”
Many countries across the world are building new, renewable energy projects to reduce emissions. Costs have also come down, prompting countries to take up new projects.
Dewa's major projects, which are based on the independent power producer model, attracted about Dh40 billion ($10.8bn) in investment, Mr Al Tayer said.
The amount of power generated from renewable energy in the UAE will increase to 21 per cent in 2030 and 44 per cent by 2050, from 7 per cent last year, as more new projects come online, according to Rystad Energy.
Abu Dhabi is also developing new, renewable energy projects including the world's largest solar plant at Al Dhafra with a total capacity of 2 gigawatts as part of the UAE's efforts to increase clean energy capacity.
A consortium led by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, or Taqa, and Masdar, in partnership with France’s EDF Renewables and China's JinkoPower, is building the new plant that is expected to be fully operational next year.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
Quick facts on cancer
- Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases
- About one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer in their lifetime
- By 2040, global cancer cases are on track to reach 30 million
- 70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries
- This rate is expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2030
- At least one third of common cancers are preventable
- Genetic mutations play a role in 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers
- Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved annually by implementing the right health
strategies
- The total annual economic cost of cancer is $1.16 trillion
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
